Panelists:
Natalie Ram, JD (University of Maryland)
R. Alta Charo, JD (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Moderated by Leslie Francis, PhD, JD (University of Utah)
Abstract: Rapid growth in understanding genetics presents challenges for expectant parents that are now complicated by the Dobbs decision’s removal of federal constitutional protection for private reproductive decision making. This panel will discuss two emerging issues regarding genetic information after Dobbs: prenatal gene therapy and law enforcement access to DNA repositories from residual newborn screening. Alta Charo considers the novel possibility of prenatal gene therapy. Complicated by issues of prenatal surgery, prenatal gene therapy adds questions about risk and benefit for first-in-human studies using a rapidly evolving technology. After Dobbs, the growing absence of legal abortion affects the risk/benefit calculus for parents considering this intervention, if termination is no longer available in the event of a failed effort that threatens to result in a severely impaired newborn.
Natalie Ram discusses how increasing interest in expanding newborn screening to whole genome or whole exome sequencing risks making this resource that much more attractive to law enforcement. Privacy protections are often lacking, police operate without significant legal constraints on their use of consumer genetic data, and some states offer inadequate protection from access for newborn screening resources. Legislation in Maryland regarding consumer genetics and in Iowa regarding newborn screening samples are models for policymakers in regulating law enforcement use of these genetic resources.
ELSI Friday Forum sponsored by NHGRI
Location and Address
Online